POOLE Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's chairman is stepping down to take up a new job, two years before his term of office was due to end.

Steve Erskine announced that he intends to step down from his position to take up a new role as chairman at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He was due to leave in May 2020.

He came to Poole Hospital in May 2017 and since then, said the hospital, 'has consistently provided strong, effective leadership for the Trust Board'. "His experience has been invaluable as the organisation has been developing plans to merge with The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust," said a spokesman. "He has ensured that the hospital continues putting patients first and focuses on delivering safe, high quality care – despite a very turbulent environment."

Speaking about the decision, Mr Erskine said: “This has not been an easy decision to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Poole. Throughout my time here, I have always been humbled by what every single person in the Trust delivers on a daily basis.

"Whilst the organisation continues to face challenges, the Trust has as an exciting future and we should all look forward to it with great confidence.”

Chief Executive, Debbie Fleming, added: “On behalf of the board and staff within our hospital, I would like to thank Steve for his enormous contribution over the past fifteen months."

She praised him for 'working tirelessly to connect with staff and patients across the hospital, whilst at the same time, building strong and effective relationships with our partners across Dorset'. In this way, she said, Steve had 'made a real difference locally, as we work together to reconfigure services and improve outcomes for local people.'

Mr Erskine will remain in post until late autumn. In the meantime, the Trust said it would be considering the arrangements for his replacement.